3.3.7 Mental health support for staff

Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) is committed to promoting a healthy, supportive, and inclusive working environment as part of its mission to become a socially engaged learning university. The well-being of staff is regarded as a fundamental factor contributing to high-quality education and the successful development of students, ensuring that knowledge and expertise can be effectively transferred to society. To support this goal, SWU provides a range of mental health services and initiatives that enhance staff well-being through both free and fee-based psychological counseling delivered by qualified mental health professionals.

To ensure accessible and confidential mental health support, the University offers free psychological counseling services through multiple units across the institution. These services are delivered by master’s-level counseling psychologists and are available in both onsite and online formats, providing convenient access for staff members. The W.E.L.L Center under the Faculty of Education offers psychological counseling services for students, while the “Heart Room,” also under the Faculty of Education, provides counseling for students, staff, and the general public through both face-to-face and online consultations. The Humannice Counseling Center, operated by the Faculty of Humanities, and the “Feel Good Room,” under the Behavioral Science Research Institute, also provide psychological counseling to students, staff, and external clients through various modes of service. All centers operate under the supervision of qualified supervisors and strictly adhere to the professional code of ethics in counseling psychology. In 2025, the University established the University Student Well-Being Promotion Committee to plan, oversee, and systematically enhance well-being support systems across the institution.

In addition to free services, SWU also provides fee-based mental health support for staff requiring specialized care. Mental health consultations are available at the SWU Clinic, located on the 3rd floor of the Professor M.L. Pin Malakul Service Building at Prasarnmit Campus. The clinic provides scheduled psychiatric and psychological services conducted by licensed professionals each month. Furthermore, the University has partnered with the “Ooca” tele-counseling application, which enables staff to receive counseling through video calls with qualified psychiatrists and psychologists, with up to four free sessions provided to SWU personnel.

Beyond counseling services, SWU places importance on developing a culture of mental well-being and emotional resilience among staff. In 2024, the Division of Student Development and Special Affairs, Faculty of Humanities, in collaboration with Dr. Santipap Nantasan from the Bachelor of Science Program in Psychology, implemented a pilot project to support staff mental health entitled the “H Empathy Project.” The initiative aimed to create a safe emotional space for faculty and staff through group counseling sessions, allowing participants to share experiences, express emotions, and exchange self-care strategies. The project helped foster a supportive environment for staff who play a critical role in student care and development. Participants reported significant benefits from the sessions and expressed a need for expanding such safe-space initiatives to further support the mental well-being of academic and non-academic personnel at the University.

Through these comprehensive services and initiatives, SWU demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the mental health of its staff, promoting a work culture that values well-being, empathy, and emotional resilience as essential elements in achieving educational excellence and long-term institutional sustainability.